Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Amid all the to-do about a potential raise in the Mathews budget for teachers, one thing that got lost is the need to give an increase to the sheriff’s department.  

We are blessed to have a sheriff and deputies who are top rate. They don’t do strikes. They don’t have paid holidays and summer vacations. They don’t work in air conditioned rooms but swelter in hot uniforms and they don’t get snow days. Daily they put their lives on the line to protect us. When there is danger they confront it so we can be safe.

Of all of those who ask for an increase in allocating budget funds, don’t you think the sheriff’s department deserves the most consideration? 

Sue Long

North, Va. ...